Modular Firearm Grip Cover with Vertical Laser Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser grips for firearms are cumbersome and costly to manufacture and modify, often requiring masking and interfering with the user's grip, while add-on assemblies cover the handgrip surface, limiting customization and visibility of the firearm's underlying surface.
Innovation Solution
A modular firearm grip cover assembly with adjustable, vertically-oriented laser assembly and grip components that form openings to expose the underlying surface, allowing for separate manufacturing and customization of grip covers and bridge portions, which can be assembled without masking and do not interfere with the user's grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If laser grip components are manufactured using overmolding processes, then the components can be produced as integrated assemblies, but later painting and modification steps become cumbersome and costly requiring masking of fragile components
Solution Approach 1:
The grip assembly is divided into separate modular components (grip cover, bridge portion, handgrip) that can be manufactured independently and assembled together. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured using optimal processes without requiring masking of fragile parts during painting or modification, as each piece can be processed separately before final assembly.
2Reliability
If known grips locate and orient a laser emitter, then the laser sight function is achieved, but the laser interferes with the user's grip
Solution Approach 1:
The laser emitter is reoriented from a horizontal arrangement (which interferes with the grip) to a vertical arrangement that extends along the longitudinal axis of the handgrip. This dimensional change allows the laser to function while remaining clear of the user's fingers and hand, eliminating interference with the grip.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser emitter and its housing are extracted from the traditional grip location and positioned within a dedicated cavity in the bridge portion. This extraction separates the laser function from the grip area, allowing the laser to operate without interfering with the user's hand placement on the grip.
3Ease of manufacture
If add-on grip assemblies completely cover the handgrip surface, then the grip assembly provides full coverage, but customization of the underlying firearm surface is limited and visibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The grip cover assembly incorporates localized openings (such as finger rest openings) that expose specific portions of the underlying handgrip surface. This allows the majority of the grip to be covered for protection and ergonomics, while specific areas remain visible to showcase the firearm's underlying surface finish, enabling customization and aesthetic expression.
4Reliability
If the laser assembly is housed in a cavity within the grip cover, then the laser is protected and positioned vertically, but the grip cover structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity housing for the laser assembly is merged with the bridge portion structure rather than being a separate element. The bridge portion is formed as an integral part of the grip assembly that incorporates the laser cavity, reducing the total number of separate components and simplifying the overall structure while still providing protected vertical positioning for the laser emitter.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables efficient manufacturing and modification of laser grips, enhances the firearm's appearance, and provides ergonomic finger rests while maintaining the functionality of the laser sight without adding bulk to the grip, allowing for aesthetic customization and ergonomic design.
Implementation Method 1
a laser assembly configured to selectively project a laser beam through a laser aperture in the second grip cover
Data Source
AI summary
A grip cover assembly for a handgrip of a firearm may include modular side panels joined by a resilient finger bridge. Openings may be formed between the finger bridge and the side panels to expose a portion of the underlying handgrip surface. A laser sighting device may be housed in one of the side panels, with an adjustable laser emitter having a substantially vertical orientation. A laser beam emitted by the laser emitter may be redirected to a substantially horizontal beam path by a reflector, also housed in the side panel.